Barrier Patch of a Foamed Film and Methods of Improving Skin Appearance

ABSTRACT

A beauty care product is provided. The beauty care product has a multi-layered barrier patch with a non-foamed first layer and a foamed second layer. The non-foamed first layer has a non-foamed polymer film with a first surface and a thickness from 5 microns to 250 microns. The foamed second layer has a foamed polymer film comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from 45% to 80% and a thickness of from 10 microns to 250 microns. The beauty care product also has a cosmetic composition with an effective amount of a skin active agent and a pressure sensitive adhesive.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to products comprising foamed filmsuitable for improving skin appearance. The present invention alsorelates to a method of delivering cosmetic compositions to a target areaof the skin via the use of a barrier patch made from the foamed film.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of using a patch or mask device comprising skin agents totreat the skin, have been recognized in the art. Some cosmetic patchesor devices are commercially marketed or described as being useful forthe delivery of skin care actives such as vitamins, anti-acne actives,moisturizers and the like. Patches have also been described in theliterature and marketed in the medical field as a useful means for thetransdermal administration of drugs.

However, many patches or devices suffer drawbacks in their physicalproduct forms resulting in undesirable in-use characteristics asperceived by the wearer. These drawbacks include patches that do notprovide occlusion of the skin treatment area, patches that look heavy,opaque and non breathable, signaling a less comfortable in useexperience for the consumer, or patches that do not actually deliver aneffective amount of the active ingredient to the skin.

In particular some patches are opaque, dry, rough, thick, and/or highlyimpermeable to air, fluids and moisture. These patches may be tight,stiff, hot, heavy, inflexible, and uncomfortable to wear. Even beforewearing the patch, consumers may have the impression on seeing thepatch, it will be uncomfortable to wear. This first impression isespecially important when the recommended wear time is for an extendedperiod such as overnight.

Film materials which are impermeable to liquid but permeable to vaporare known as breathable and have been described in the art. Wovenmaterials such as silk, satin and soft, thick cotton fabrics, are alsoknown and are usually both vapor and liquid permeable. Breathable,permeable materials may provide a comfortable wearing experience.However, highly breathable materials will permit some self-drying of apatch containing actives or liquid compositions. This drying out of the,product may have several disadvantages. Drying out of the actives maynegate the benefits of occluding the skin. In addition anyincompatibility between the skin agents and the adhesive materials usedwith a patch, may be exacerbated by the drying of the patch. This maylead to ineffective partitioning of the skin agents through the adhesivelayer to the skin.

It is advantageous to have a thin and flexible patch that conforms andfits the contours of the face or other target skin area. Thin films,however, worn on the face may be predisposed to wrinkling in use. If thepatch is made stiffer or the thickness is increased, the patch may feelmore heavy and tight to the consumer during wear.

It has now been found that a user's satisfaction may be improved byrebalancing certain properties of the patch product. By selecting andcreating the proper degree foaming in the films used and by providingfoamed layer(s) with non-foamed layer(s), the patch appears morebreathable and high quality through the proper degree of lightreflection and optical effects. The multilayered barrier patch is alsoflexible and provides low permeability and high occlusion so that skinactive agents are effectively delivered to the skin. A positive consumerexperience is provided since the product looks luxurious and breathableand feels lightweight and flexible to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves at least one of these problems byincorporating at least one foamed film layer into a beauty care productand is directed, in part, to having the correct degree of foaming

In one aspect thus a beauty care product is provided comprising: amulti-layered barrier patch comprising:

-   -   (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer        film having a first surface, and having a thickness from about 5        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from 10 microns to 40        microns; and preferably the first layer comprises ethylene vinyl        acetate;    -   (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer film        comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from about 45% to about        80%, preferably from about 50% to about 75%, more preferably        from about 55% to about 73%, and a thickness of from about 10        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from about 40 microns        to about 160 microns; and preferably the second layer comprises        ethylene vinyl acetate;    -   wherein the barrier patch comprises a Flop Index (FI) from about        2.5 to about 15 according to ASTM E2539, preferable the FI is        from about 2.5 to about 6 or from about 3 to about 6; and    -   a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a skin        active agent; and    -   a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In another aspect a beauty care product is provided comprising: amulti-layered barrier patch comprising:

-   -   (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer        film having a first surface, and having a thickness from about 5        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from 10 microns to 40        microns; and preferably the first layer comprises ethylene vinyl        acetate;    -   (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer film        comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from about 45% to about        80%, preferably from about 50% to about 75%, more preferably        from about 55% to about 73%, and a thickness of from about 10        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from about 40 microns        to about 160 microns; and preferably the second layer comprises        ethylene vinyl acetate;    -   wherein the barrier patch comprises a flexibility from about        0.009 gfcm²/cm to about 0.14 gfcm²/cm, preferably from about        0.01 gfcm²/cm to about 0.055 gfcm²/cm, more preferably from        about 0.02 gfcm²/cm to about 0.05 gfcm²/cm;    -   a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a skin        active agent; and    -   a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In yet another aspect a beauty care product is provided comprising: amulti-layered barrier patch comprising:

-   -   (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer        film having a first surface, and having a thickness from about 5        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from 10 microns to 40        microns; and preferably the first layer comprises ethylene vinyl        acetate;    -   (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer film        comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from about 45% to about        80%, preferably from about 50% to about 75%, more preferably        from about 55% to about 73%, and a thickness of from about 10        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from about 40 microns        to about 160 microns; and preferably the second layer comprises        ethylene vinyl acetate;    -   a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a skin        active agent; and    -   a pressure sensitive adhesive.

A method of treating skin is also provided and comprises:

-   a. applying a cosmetic composition to a target area of the skin,    comprising an effective amount of a skin active agent;-   b. applying a multi-layered barrier patch to the target area of    skin, wherein the barrier patch is adjusted to comprise:    -   (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer        film having a first surface, and having a thickness from about 5        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from 10 microns to 40        microns; preferably the first layer comprises ethylene vinyl        acetate and preferably wherein the non-foamed first layer is        substantially free of pigments;    -   (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer film        comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from about 45% to about        80%, preferably from about 50% to about 75%, more preferably        from about 55% to about 73%, and a thickness of from about 10        microns to about 250 microns, preferably from about 40 microns        to about 160 microns; and preferably the second layer comprises        ethylene vinyl acetate;    -   wherein the cosmetic composition is at least partially in        contact with the barrier patch.

Beauty care products herein are those useful for treatment of andapplication to keratinous tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description ofaspects, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beauty care product comprising abarrier patch, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the product of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the product of FIG. 1 taken along 3-3of FIG. 1, further comprising a release layer.

FIG. 4 is an SEM cross section image, in the machine direction, of abarrier patch without foaming

FIG. 5 is an SEM cross section image, in the machine direction, of abarrier patch with foaming

FIG. 6 is an SEM cross section image, in the machine direction, of abarrier patch with foaming

FIG. 7 is an SEM image showing a top view of a foamed layer of a barrierpatch.

FIG. 8 is an SEM image showing a top view of an unfoamed layer of abarrier patch.

FIG. 9 is an SEM cross section image, in the machine direction, of abarrier patch with foaming

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointingout and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription.

In all aspects, all percentages are by weight of the composition (orproduct or barrier patch), unless specifically stated otherwise. Allratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated otherwise. Allranges are inclusive and combinable. The number of significant digitsconveys neither a limitation on the indicated amounts nor on theaccuracy of the measurements. All numerical amounts are understood to bemodified by the word “about” unless otherwise specifically indicated.Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements are understood to be madeat approximately 25° C. and at ambient conditions, where “ambientconditions” means conditions under about 1 atmosphere of pressure and atabout 50% relative humidity. The term “molecular weight” or “M.Wt.” asused herein refers to the number average molecular weight unlessotherwise stated.

The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consistessentially of, or consist of, the essential components as well asoptional ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consistingessentially of” means that the composition or component may includeadditional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do notmaterially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimedcompositions or methods.

The term “apply” or “application” as used in reference to a composition,means to apply or spread the compositions of the present invention ontoa substrate such as the human skin surface or epidermis.

The term “dermatologically acceptable,” as used herein, means that thecompositions or components thereof so described are suitable for use incontact with mammalian keratinous tissue without undue toxicity,incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like.

The term “facial skin surface” as used herein refers to one or more offorehead, periorbital, cheek, perioral, chin, and nose skin surfaces.While facial skin surfaces are of concern and are exemplified herein,other skin surfaces may be treated with the compositions and methods ofthe present invention, for example, surfaces typically not covered byclothing such as facial skin surfaces, hand and arm skin surfaces, footand leg skin surfaces, and neck and chest skin surfaces (e.g.,décolletage).

The term “keratinous tissue”, as used herein, refers tokeratin-containing layers disposed as the outermost protective coveringof mammals (e.g., humans, dogs, cats, etc.) which includes, but is notlimited to, skin, mucosa, lips, hair, toenails, fingernails, cuticles,hooves, etc.

The terms “topical application”, “topically”, and “topical”, as usedherein, mean to apply (e.g., spread, spray) the compositions of thepresent invention onto the surface of the keratinous tissue.

As used herein, “effective amount” means an amount of a compound orcomposition sufficient to significantly induce a positive keratinoustissue benefit, including independently or in combination with otherbenefits disclosed herein. This means that the content and/orconcentration of agent in the formulation is sufficient that when theformulation is applied with normal frequency and in a normal amount, theformulation can result in the treatment of one or more undesiredkeratinous tissue conditions (e.g., skin wrinkles). For instance, theamount can be an amount sufficient to inhibit or enhance somebiochemical function occurring within the keratinous tissue. This amountof the skin care agent may vary depending upon the type of product, thetype of keratinous tissue condition to be addressed, and the like.

The term “safe and effective amount” as used herein means an amount of acompound or composition sufficient to significantly induce a positivebenefit, preferably a positive keratinous tissue appearance, includingindependently or in combinations with the benefits disclosed herein, butlow enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., to provide a reasonablebenefit to risk ratio, within the scope of sound judgment of the skilledartisan.

As used herein, the term “water impermeable” includes materials orobjects through which water in its liquid state does not pass.

The term “substantially free of” refers to an amount of a material thatis less than 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.01%, or 0.001% by weight ofcomposition, the barrier patch, and/or the layer of the barrier patch.“Free of” refers to no detectable amount of the stated ingredient orthing.

“Bio-based content” refers to the amount of carbon from a renewableresource in a material as a percent of the mass of the total organiccarbon in the material, as determined by ASTM D6866-10, Method B. Notethat any carbon from inorganic sources such as calcium carbonate is notincluded in determining the bio-based content of the material.

“Biodegradation” refers to a process of chemical dissolution ofmaterials by microorganisms or other biological means.

“Bio-identical polymer” refers to polymers that are made from monomerswhere at least one monomer is derived from renewable resources. Forinstance, a bio-identical polyolefin is made from olefins that arederived from renewable resources, whereas a petro-based polyolefin ismade from olefins typically derived from non renewable oil or gas.“Bio-new polymer” refers to polymers that are directly derived (i.e., nointermediate compound in the derivation process) from renewableresources. Such renewable resources include cellulose (e.g. pulpfibers), starch, chitin, polypeptides, poly(lactic acid),polyhydroxyalkanoates, and the like.

“Monomeric compound” refers to an intermediate compound that may bepolymerized to yield a polymer.

“Petrochemical” refers to an organic compound derived from petroleum,natural gas, or coal.

“Petroleum” refers to crude oil and its components of paraffinic,cycloparaffinic, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Crude oil may be obtainedfrom tar sands, bitumen fields, and oil shale.

“Polymers derived directly from renewable resources” refer to polymersobtained from a renewable resource without intermediates. Typically,these types of polymers would tend be “bio-new”.

“Post-consumer recycled polymers” refer to synthetic polymers recoveredafter consumer usage and includes recycled polymers from plastic bottles(e.g., laundry, milk, and soda bottles).

“Renewable resource” refers to a natural resource that can bereplenished within a 100 year time frame. The resource may bereplenished naturally, or via agricultural techniques. Renewableresources include plants, animals, fish, bugs, insects, bacteria, fungi,and forestry products. They may be naturally occurring, hybrids, orgenetically engineered organisms. Natural resources such as crude oil,coal, and peat which take longer than 100 years to form are notconsidered to be renewable resources.

Mean Void Volume Percentage

One aspect of the invention provides a multi-layered barrier patchhaving at least 1 foamed layer having a defined Mean Void VolumePercentage. The technique for measuring Mean Void Volume Percentage isdescribed herein. This method essentially describes the volume of thefoamed layer occupied by voids. In other words, it describes the amountor degree of foaming of the foamed layer to allow one skilled in the artto differentiate between films of varying degrees of foaming Generally,the more foaming, the greater percentage of voids, and thus a greaterMean Void Volume Percentage. The degree of foaming of a foamed layer maybe characterized by a Mean Void Volume Percentage, as determined byX-ray micro-computed tomography (as described herein) or simply“microCT.”

In one aspect, the foamed layer comprises from 45% to 80% of a Mean VoidVolume Percentage (relative to the volume of the foamed layer in total),preferably from 50% to 75%, more preferably from 55% to 73%, Mean VoidVolume Percentage.

Flop Index

One way of describing the special visual effect of the barrier patch orproduct herein is from the angle dependent light reflection (or“glossiness”) and color luminosity (or “L”). A non-flat surface providesdifferent angles to certain incident light and thus the reflected lightprovides different glossiness and L in different areas of the surface.This difference in glossiness and reflection can be measured via themethod described below:

The flop index or “FI” is the characterization of color luminositychange and the degree of pearlescence and can be mathematicallycalculated by the following formula:

${{{Flop}\mspace{14mu} {Index}} = \frac{2.69\left( {L_{15{^\circ}}^{*} - L_{110{^\circ}}^{*}} \right)^{1.11}}{\left( L_{45{^\circ}}^{*} \right)^{0.86}}};$

wherein an incident light that is 45° to the surface, and the mirrorreflection direction is symmetrically on the other side of the normalline which is perpendicular to the surface. L*_(15°) describes theluminosity at the angle which is 15° to the normal line from thereflection direction, and L*_(110°) is 110° to the normal line from thereflection direction. L*_(45°) is the normal line which is perpendicularto the surface. Flop index indicates the L changes with differentobservation angles and higher FI means more dark and light contrast andthus more evident effect.

FI can be measured following ASTM E2539. Suitable measuring deviceincludes multi angle photometer MA98 from X-rite Company.

One aspect of the invention provides for a multi-layer barrier patchhaving a FI of at least 2, more preferably at least 2.5, yet morepreferably at least 3.0, yet still more preferably at least 3.5according to ASTM E2539. In another aspect of the invention themulti-layer barrier patch has a FI of from about 2.5 to about 15, morepreferably from about 2.5 to about 6, or from about 2.5 to about 5.5,yet more preferably from about 3.0 to about 5.0, according to ASTME2539.

One aspect of the invention provides for a multi-layer barrier patchhaving a Gloss of about 8 to about 40, in another aspect from about 11to about 35, and in another aspect about 12 to about 30, measuredaccording to the Gloss method herein.

WVTR

According to one aspect, the multi-layered barrier patch has an WVTRvalue between about 1 g/m²/24 h to about 500 g/m²/24 h, and in anotheraspect has a WVTR from about 1 g/m²/24 h to about 250 g/m²/24 h and/orfrom about 1 g/m²/24 h to about 1.80 g/m²/24 h and/or from about 2g/m²/24 h to about 150 g/m²/24 h and/or from about 2 to about 20 g/m²/24h. The term WVTR stands for “Water Vapor Transmission Rate”, i.e. theamount of vapor which can pass per unit area during a certain period oftime.

The multi-layered barrier patch in certain aspects is non-porous orimpermeable to water. In certain other aspects the multi-layered barrierpatch is impermeable to the cosmetic composition, the skin care activeagent employed, and fluids wherein the WVTR is from about from about 2to about 100 g/m²/24 h. While not being bound by theory using amulti-layered barrier patch that prevents water loss from the cosmeticcomposition while the cosmetic composition is in contact with thekeratinous tissue and skin, prevents the cosmetic composition fromdrying out. Water loss from the cosmetic composition may lower the waterconcentration, may destabilize an emulsion if present, and may increasethe concentration of skin active agents. This may result in reduced orloss of efficacy and/or irritation to the skin.

Such relative water impermeability and lower water vapor permeability ofthe multi-layered barrier patch may increase the effectiveness andefficiency of the cosmetic composition used with the barrier patch. Forexample, without being bound by theory, the water impermeability andlower vapor permeability of the multi-layered barrier patch employedserves to increase the penetration of the skin care active agent intothe skin.

In certain aspects the multi-layered barrier patch may, for example,consist of a perforated polyolefin film, where the size of the holes hasbeen chosen so that air and vapor may pass, but not liquid molecules.Breathable materials can, as mentioned above, consist of perforatedplastic films. One example of such film is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,628,737 and/or micro-porous plastic films, as is described in, forexample, EP-A-0238200. These laminates and films, however, are notpreferred herein due to their relatively high WVTR and higher levels ofbreathability.

Multi-Layered Barrier Patch

The multi-layered barrier patch may be a co-extruded film laminatecomprising at least two layers, but can comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, or morelayers. In a preferred aspect, the multi-layered co-extruded filmbarrier patch has at least three layers, and is preferably a ethylenevinyl acetate (“EVA”) comprising film. In a preferred aspect, a foamedlayer is in-between layers of non-foamed layers, e.g. the first layerand the third layer, on either side.

In certain aspects, multi-layer barrier patch is generally made of aflexible film material which is capable of remaining fitted arid flexingduring the movement of the human body and movements especiallyassociated with facial expressions or gestures. By “flexible” it ismeant that the multi-layer harrier patch may be substantially bent orfolded without breaking, tearing, ripping, etc. The multi-layer barrierpatch may comprise a flexibility from about 0.009 gfcm²/cm to about 0.14gfcm²/cm and/or about 0.01 gfcm²/cm to about 0.055 gfcm²/cm, and/or fromabout 0.02 gfcm²/cm to about 0.05 gfcm²/cm, according to the Flexibilitymethod provided herein. In an aspect the multi-layer barrier patch alsodoes not collapse or fold under gravity or upon handling and applicationby the user. It is desirable for the multi-layer film to conform to thetarget area of the skin surface to which it is applied without folding,crinkling, or inducing more wrinkling of the target area of the skin.Accordingly, the barrier patch is readily conformable to the skin andremains flexible throughout the duration of use, as the user movesduring the period of time worn.

In an aspect the barrier patch or product comprises a Surface Roughness(Ra) from about 3 to about 30, or from about 4 to about 29, or fromabout 10 to about 28, according to the Surface Roughness method herein.

Exemplary aspects of the beauty care product or product 1 are shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a product comprising a barrierpatch 2 and a pressure sensitive adhesive 3. The barrier patch has afirst surface 4 and a second surface 5. The pressure sensitive adhesive3 is in contact with at least part of the first surface 4 of the barrierpatch 2 to form a pressure sensitive adhesive coated region 12 of thefirst surface 4. The product 1 may further comprise a cosmeticcomposition 14 comprising an effective amount of a skin active agent. Inone aspect the adhesive 3 comprises the cosmetic composition. In otheraspects the cosmetic composition 14 is distributed to some extent and/orhomogeneously distributed throughout the pressure sensitive adhesive. Inanother aspect the pressure sensitive adhesive 3 is separated from thecosmetic composition or the cosmetic composition is a separate layerfrom the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive or the pressure sensitiveadhesive is substantially free of the cosmetic composition 14.

In the aspect of FIGS. 1, 2. and 3, the product 1 and barrier patch 2are rectangular; however this shape is not intended to limit theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of product 1 comprising a barrier patch 2and a pressure sensitive adhesive 3. The barrier patch 2 has a firstsurface 4 and a second surface 5. The pressure sensitive adhesive 3 isin contact with at least part of the first surface 4 of the barrierpatch 2 to form a pressure sensitive adhesive coated region 12 of thefirst surface 4. The barrier patch 2 further comprises a non-foamedfirst layer 6, a foamed second layer 7 and a non-foamed third layer 8.In an aspect the non-foamed third layer 8 and the second surface 5comprise a consumer facing layer or consumer facing surface 16. Thefirst surface 4 and the non-foamed first layer 6 are a non-consumerfacing surface 18 and a non-consumer facing layer. The barrier patchfurther comprises a release layer 10.

In an aspect the barrier patch and/or product is substantially free ofpigments. As used herein “pigment” means a dye, colorant or pigmentmaterial that provides color to the barrier patch or product. Thebarrier patch or product may he colored by the use of suitable dyes andpigments, which may be selected from the group consisting of organicpigments, inorganic pigments, interference pigments, lakes, naturalcolorants, pearlescent agents, dyes, and mixtures thereof. In an aspectthe pigments, lakes and/or dyes are hydrophobic. Other dyes and pigmentsare disclosed in International Cosmetic ingredient Dictionary andHandbook, 10^(th) Edition, Volume 3, 2004, Colorants, pp. 2194-2197. Inanother aspect one or more of the non-foamed layer and/or foamed layersare substantially free of pigments. In yet another aspect the non-foamedlayer that is a consumer facing layer and not in contact with thepressure sensitive adhesive, such as the non-foamed third layer 8, issubstantially free of pigments. In an aspect the optical effects, or theFlop Index, of the barrier layer or product is achieved without the useof pigments.

The barrier patch 2 of the present invention may comprise a solid sheetmaterial. The sheet provides the primary structure and shape to thepatch, allowing it to be handled and applied for treatment of a specifictarget area of the skin. In another aspect the solid sheet or barrierpatch is self supporting.

The layers of the barrier patch may comprise at least one material thatincludes but is not limited to polypropylene (PP); polyethylene (PE),metallocene plastomers, metallocene elastomers, high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), rubber modified LDPE, rubber modified LLDPE, acidcopolymers, polysytyrene, cyclic polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate(PET); polyvinylchloride (PVC); polyamide (PA); polycarbonate;polyurethane; cellulose acetate; polychloropene; polysulfone;polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); polyvinyl acetate (PVA); polyethyleneglycol terephthalate film; polystyrene; polyphenylene oxide (PPO);acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); acrylic; acrylonitrile styreneacrylate (ASA); ethylene vinyl alcohol, natural rubber, latex, nylon,nitrile, silicone and thermo plastic elastomers (TPE), ethylene vinylacetate (EVA), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), copolymers of PE with PP,bimodal resins, any of which may be from either homopolymers orcopolymers, and blends and combinations of these materials. Blends maybe physical blends or reactor blends. The layers may comprise a singlepolymer or mixtures of polymers or copolymers. Laminates of these layermaterials may also be used.

In an aspect the foamed second layer comprises a combination of PE andEVA. The foamed second layer may comprise from about 15% to about 40%,or from about 20% to about 35% of PE and from about 60% to about 85%, orabout 65% to about 80% EVA.

Film additives are further detailed in U.S. patent publications fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/924983, filed Jun. 24, 2013 (P&G US2014/0376835; Case 12966Q); and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/924,999, filed Jun. 24, 2013 (P&G Case 12967Q), and the referencescited therein.

For example the film layer of the barrier patch optionally can includean additive such as a slip agent or an antistatic agent (e.g.,euracamide, a steramide), a filler (e.g., talc, clay, pulp, titaniumdioxide, thermoplastic starch, raw starch wood flour, diatomaceousearth, silica, inorganic glass, inorganic salts, pulverized plasticizer,pulverized rubber), a pigment (e.g., mica, titania, carbon black), a UVinhibitor, an anti-coloring agent, a mold release agent, a flameretardant, an electrically conductive agent, an antioxidant, an impactmodifier, a stabilizer (e.g., a UV absorber), wetting agents, carbon,graphene and a biodegradable-enhancing additive (e.g., an oxo-degradableadditive or an organic material). An oxo-degradable additive is oftencompounded into a polymer in a concentration of about 1 wt. % to about 5wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer, and includes at leastone transition metal that can foster oxidation and chain scission inplastics when exposed to heat, air, light, or mixtures thereof. Organicmaterials (e.g., cellulose, starch, ethylene vinyl acetate, andpolyvinyl alcohol) also can be used as biodegradable-enhancingadditives, although they cannot promote degradation of thenon-degradable portion of the polymer matrix.

A color masterbatch containing pigment and/or slip/antiblock agentsand/or liquid colorants can also be added to afford certain aestheticsand functionality.

Pigments if present may be typically be used in concentrations of about0.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, and/or from about I wt. % to about 10 wt.%, or from 1.5 wt. % to about 7 wt. %, based on the total weight of thepolymer.

A preferred material for one or more of the layers includes ethylenevinyl acetate, EVA (CAS No. 24937-78-8) copolymer. Different grades ofEVAs tend to have different ethylene-to-vinyl acetate monomer ratiosand/or different melt indices (molecular weights). For example thepercentage of VA monomer may range from about 20% to about 50% or fromabout 25% to about 40% of VA or from about 25% to about 30% of VA. Forexample the melt flow index may range from about 0.7 dg/min to about 60dg/min and/or from about 2 dg/min to about 6 dg/min and/or from about 2dg/min to about 4 dg/min. EVA grades useful herein include Dupont Elvax®Grades: 260 (28% VA; Melt Flow IndexMFI 6 dg/min via ASTM D1238); Grade250 (28% VA; MFI 25 dg/min); Grade 150 and 150W (32% VA; MFI 43 dg/min);Grade 40 W (40% VA; MFI 52 dg/min); and Celanese Ateva® 2803G (28% VA;MFI 3 dg/min via ASTM D1238) and Ateva® 1807EG (18% VA; MFI 0.7 dg/min).In an aspect the ethylene vinyl acetate polymer may have anethylene-to-vinyl acetate monomer ratio of about 4:1 to about 1:1,preferably the ratio may be from about 3:1 to about 3:2.

In an aspect the multi-layer barrier patch comprises three layers, e.g.a foamed second layer comprising EVA and a layer of non-foamed EVA oneither side, i.e., a first non-foamed EVA layer and a third non-foamedEVA layer wherein the foamed EVA layer is in-between said first andthird non-foamed layers.

In one aspect the multi-layer barrier patch is substantially free of anon-woven material.

In another aspect the multi-layer barrier patch includes a corneatreatment.

The film layers herein may comprise polyethylene. The term“polyethylene” or “PE” is used herein the broadest sense to include PEof any of a variety of resin grades, density, branching length,copolymer, blend, catalyst, and the like. The layer may comprise a blendof different grades of polyethylene, that may include LLDPE, LDPE,VLDPE, HDPE, or MDPE, or combinations thereof; manufactured usingZiegler-Natta catalysts, Chromium catalysts, metallocene basedcatalysts, single site catalysts, and other types of catalysts. Thepolymers may be homopolymers or copolymers. Blends may be physicalblends or reactor blends. These materials can be bio-based, petro-basedand recycled/reground. LLDPE copolymers can be made with any one or moreof butene, hexene and octene comonomers. The ratio of the differentgrades can vary.

The material composition and/or polymer resins used in the foamed layermay be different from those used in the non-foamed layer(s), since thematerial composition and/or resins may be optimized for foam formation,or other film layer properties. Additives, particularly small amount ofnucleating agents selected from the group consisting of CaCO₃, clays,talcs, and combinations thereof, may be included for quick bubbleformation during foaming process.

The resin used in making the layers of the barrier patch may includerenewable materials, either “bio-identical” or “bio-new” materials, or acombination thereof. Some non-limiting options of applicablebio-identical and/or bio-new materials are further detailed in U.S. Ser.No. 13/924,983, filed Jun. 24, 2013 (P&G US Publication Number2014/0376835), at pages 15-22; and U.S. Ser. No. 13/924,999, filed Jun.24, 2013 (P&G US Publication No. 2014/0377512 A1; P&G Case 12967Q) atpages 12-20. For example the barrier patch may include at least onelayer made of a plastic resin. The resin could be a traditionalpetro-based polyolefin, or it could be a renewable based polyolefin, ora blend thereof. Alternatively it could be a blend comprising apetro-based or renewable based polyolefin blend mixed with a renewable“bio-new” material that is chemically different from traditionalpetro-based polyolefins. The film layer could be comprised of a materialor mixture of materials having a total bio-based content of about 10% toabout 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B. In one aspect, the layer maycomprise from about 5% to about 99% by weight of a polymer (A)comprising at least one or possibly more of a low density polyethylene(LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE), a high density polyethylene homopolymer/high densitypolyethylene copolymer, a medium density polyethylene, a very lowdensity polyethylene (VLDPE), a plastomer, apolypropylene/copolypropylene/heterophasic polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), PLA (e.g., from Natureworks), polyhydroxyalkanoate(PHA), poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), cellulose (availablefrom, for example, Innovia), NYLON 11 (i.e., Rilsan® from Arkema),starch (either thermoplastic starch or starch fillers), bio-polyesters,(e.g., those made from bioglycerol, organic acid, and anhydride, asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0200591, incorporatedherein by reference), polybutylene succinate, polyglycolic acid (PGA),and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). At least one of the constituents ofpolymer (A) may be at least partially derived from a renewable resource.Recycled materials may also be in added. In specific cases, materialsthat are biodegradable may be utilized.

Some of the “bio-new” materials may further contribute to reflectivityof the film, as the presence of this additional material within the filmlayer structure can lead to additional light reflectivity, due to theirtypical incompatibility with the polyolefin matrix.

Thickness

In one aspect, the total thickness of the multi-layered co-extruded filmbarrier patch is from 20 microns to 500 microns, preferably from 50microns to 200 microns, more preferably from 70 to 180 microns, yet morepreferably from 75 to 150 microns, and combinations thereof. Scanningelectron microscopy (SEM) is one technique of measuring thickness.

Another aspect of the invention provides for the foamed second layerhaving a thickness from 10 microns to 250 microns, preferably from 40microns to 160 microns, or from 40 microns to 90 microns, morepreferably from 40 microns to 60 microns and combinations thereof.

Another aspect of the invention provides for each of the non-foamedfirst and/or third layers having a thickness from 5 microns to 250microns, preferably from 5 microns to 90 microns, more preferably from10 microns to 40 microns, and combinations thereof.

In an aspect the thickness of the foamed second layer is greater thanthe thickness of one or both of the non-foamed first layer and thenon-foamed third layer.

In an aspect the basis weight for the barrier patch (without theadhesive) is from 40 gsm to 190 gsm, for instance 45 gsm to 170 gsmand/or from 50 gsm to 140 gsm.

Method of Foaming the Resin

The foam can be imparted to the foamed layer by several ways. Generally,physical foaming is provided by injecting air or an inert gas (typicallyN₂ or CO₂ although another gas could be considered) into the resinduring an extrusion process. A uniform, small-cell bubble structure maybe achieved by the adding of the inert gas, during the extrusionprocess. The inert gas may be delivered to the extruder and underpressure in the extruder is mixed with the polymer. The goal is toproduce a substantially homogeneous mixture. A pressure drop duringextrusion occurs and a phase separation results providing uniformlydistributed small cells or bubbles throughout the material. Theformation of individual cells may enhanced by the fillers mentionedherein. The gas preferably may be provided preferably at levels of about0.02 and 0.25% by weight. During co-extrusion, the foam-formingsubstance, e.g. the inert gas, may be added to only a single layer orpart of a layer.

Chemical means (wherein gas is produced on heating, e.g., use ofinorganic material, such as the foaming agents marketed by the ClariantCorporation) may also be used. An example of foaming agent chemistryincludes Sodium Hydro Carbonate Powder and an acidifier within a masterbatch of resin added prior to heating of the resin. Upon heating,chemical blowing agents release carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxideexpands and forms bubbles in the film during subsequent processingsteps. One exemplary chemical equation describing the transition of theblowing agent to carbon dioxide is:

NaHCO₃ (Sodium Hydro Carbonate Powder)+H⁺(Acidifier)→Na⁺+CO₂+H₂O.

Of course, other methods may be employed in the practice of the presentinvention, such as, for example, through the incorporation of hardparticles (e.g. CaCO₃ or PS or PLA or TPS or other minerals) followed bystretching (uni-axial or bi-axial) of the film to cavitate around theparticles. Another method is typically called “Solid State Foaming”,using gas saturation of preformed films, such as that practiced by theUniversity of Washington, U.S.A. See publications from Professor Kumar.

As mentioned herein the foamed layer may comprise a filler of organicparticles. These may be provided to aid in nucleation, for example aidthe formation of a greater number of small cells. Fillers such as talc,chalk, clay, pulp, titanium dioxide, etc. may be present in foamed layerat a concentration from about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. % or 30 wt. %.

Foaming methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,174; WO 1998/008667(U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,810); WO 2001/089794 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,384); WO2002/014044 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,434) and WO 2004/039552 (U.S. Pat. No.7,144,532). The MuCell® foaming method, is also an example, and devicesfor this method are marketed by Trexel Inc., U.S.A.

The foam bubbles that are produced are generally at a micrometer ornanometer scale. In some executions, the foam bubbles are in hundreds ofmicrons in range in the length and width while others can be up toseveral mm long.

Non-limiting examples of how to provide foamed films is described inU.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,005,013; 6,284,810; 6,602,064; and U.S. Pat. No.8,263,206; and U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos: US 2008/0138593 A1; US 2012/0228793A1. A supplier of a multi-layered co-extruded film is Mondi ConsumerPackaging Technologies GmbH in Gronau. A branded technology from Mondifor making foamed film includes Nor®Cell technology. See also US2014/0079938 A1.

For multi-layered barrier patches where one or more layers are made ofdifferent polymers, the layers may be co-extruded. Single layer filmsmay also be laminated to create the multilayer barrier patch. Thelamination processes include, for example, dry lamination, solventlesslamination, and extrusion lamination. In one aspect, the laminatecomprises an adhesive layer adhering the multi-layered extruded film andthe printed thermoplastic layer; preferably wherein the adhesive ispolyurethane-based for solvent-less lamination, and for dry lamination,the adhesive could be polyurethane-based (dissolved in organic solvents)or acrylic acid-based (dissolved in water). Solvent-based dry laminationtypically uses a two component polyurethane adhesive. Water-based drylamination typically uses acrylic based adhesives. Solvent-lesslamination typically use a one or two component polyurethane adhesive.One example of such the 2-component PU adhesive for solvent-lesslamination is MOR-FREE™ 706A/Coreactant C-79 from Dow Chemical whereMOR-FREE™ 706A provides the NCO component and the Coreactant C-79provides the OH component for the formation of polyurethane. Theadhesives may also be either “bio-identical” or “bio-new” materials. Seee.g., Dow Chemical's soy-based polyol adhesives.

Where appropriate the barrier patch may be laminated by heat welding(which may further include the use of pressure, ultrasonic forces andradio or high frequencies), co-extrusion; adhesives, electro staticadhesions (such as flocking by fibres) and topical surface applications.

Adhesives

A variety of adhesives may be used in the manufacture of the barrierpatch herein. Typically, the adhesive material is a pressure-sensitiveadhesive (PSA) that is suitable for long-term skin contact, and whichshould be physically and chemically compatible with the non-foamed firstand/or foamed second layer and/or additives that are present. Examplesof suitable adhesive materials include, but are not limited to, thefollowing: acrylic and methacrylic ester homo-or copolymers, butylrubber based systems, silicones, urethanes, vinyl esters and amides,olefin copolymer materials, natural or synthetic rubbers, hot-meltadhesives (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,450); polyethylenes;polysiloxanes; polyisobutylenes; polyacrylates; polyacrylamides;polyurethanes; plasticized ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; and tackyrubbers such as polyisobutene, polybutadiene, polystyrene-isoprenecopolymers, polystyrene-butadiene copolymers, and neoprene(polychloroprene) and combinations thereof.

According to one aspect the adhesive is a hotmelt adhesive includingadhesives selected from the group consisting of EVA, metallocenepolyalphaolefins, polyolefins including atactic polyalphaolefins, blockcopolymers such as diblocks copolymers and triblock copolymers,polyurethane hot melts, polyamides and combinations thereof. In oneaspect the adhesive comprises diblock copolymers, triblock copolymersand combinations thereof. Diblocks and triblock copolymers may includestyrene/isoprene; styrene/butadiene; butylene/ethylene/styrene; andcombinations thereof.

High viscosity triblock copolymers may be used as adhesives and have theconfiguration A-B-A wherein the polymer blocks A are non-elastomericpolymer blocks which, as homopolymers have glass transition temperaturesabove 20° C. The elastomeric polymer blocks, B, are generally isopreneor butadiene which may be partially or substantially hydrogenated ormixtures thereof. Further, the copolymers may be linear or branched.

Diblock copolymers may generally have the A-B configuration where A andB are as described previously.

Liquid diluents may be added to the adhesive compositions. The adhesivecomposition may comprise from about 60% to about 99% diluents, byweight. In an aspect the majority of the liquid diluent is oil.Preferably the liquid diluent comprises, or consists essentially of,oils such as highly refined white petroleum mineral oil. Useful diluentsare primarily aliphatic in character and compatible with the polymermidblock. Plasticizers may also be included, e.g. paraffinic andnaphthenic petroleum oils, highly refined aromatic-free paraffinic andnaphthenic food and technical grade oils, highly refined white petroleummineral oils, and liquid tackifiers such as the synthetic liquidoligomers of polybutene, polypropene, polyterpene, etc. The syntheticprocess oils may be high viscosity oligomers which may be permanentlyfluid/liquid monoolefins, isoparaffins or paraffins of moderate to highmolecular weight.

In an aspect the adhesive is selected from the TECHNOMELT® andDERMA-TAK® brands available from Henkel, for example TECHNOMELT PSM 154ADERMA-TAK®. DERMA-TAK products are pressure-sensitive adhesives that aregenerally used with films to adhere to the skin and encompass bothsolvent-based acrylic and formulated rubber (liquid and hotmelt)pressure-sensitive adhesives. Useful adhesives may also be selected fromthose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,448,303 and 5,559,165.

The adhesive typically has an average thickness ranging from about 0.5mils to about 15 mils, in alternative aspects about 1 mils to about 5mils.

Release Layer

The barrier patch or product herein may further optionally comprise aprotective release layer removably attached to the pressure sensitiveadhesive or the pressure sensitive adhesive side of the barrier patch.The release layer provides protection for the pressure sensitiveadhesive from the environment and prior to application by the user.

The protective release layer may comprise materials including polymerresins such as a polyolefins e.g. polypropylene (including stratifiedbiaxially oriented polypropylene (SBOPP)), polyethylene (including LDPE;LLDPE; HDPE; Metallocene) or polyethylene terephthalate, andcombinations thereof. Alternative materials which may be used includepolyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol,ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon, latex, natural or synthetic rubbers,polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone or thermo plastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanate or copolymers of said materials, and combinationsthereof. Where appropriate the protective release layer may comprise oneor more laminations, or combinations of multiple layers. In an aspectthe protective release layer may comprise a coating of a non-stickmaterial. Exemplary non-stick coatings include wax, silicone,fluoropolymers such as TEFLON®, and fluorosilicones.

In an aspect, the protective release layer covers the entireaforementioned area of pressure sensitive adhesive coated region of thebarrier patch layer. In another aspect the protective release layer iswater impermeable. In a further aspect, the release layer has a meanthickness of at least about 50 microns, or at least about 85 microns, orfrom about 70 microns to about 150 microns, and/or from about 90 micronsto about 120 microns.

The release layer may optionally extend, in whole or part, beyond thepressure sensitive adhesive coated region of the layer. The releaselayer may extend partially beyond layer to provide a removal tab thatfacilitates ease of removal of the release layer.

Size and Shape of Multi-Layer Barrier Patch

The barrier patch or product may have a size and shape adapted toconform to a desired target area of skin which could be a human face orpart thereof, legs, hands, arms, feet, or human torso. They aregenerally flat in appearance.

The exact size and shape of the barrier patch or product will dependupon the intended use and product characteristics. The barrier patch orproduct herein can be, for example, a square, circle, semicircle,rectangle, triangle, oval, ring, crescent, crescent with roundedcorners, teardrop or other more complex and irregular shape. The shapeof the barrier patch or product may be selected from the groupconsisting of circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and/or irregularshape that conforms to the contours of the forehead, perioral, and/orperiorbital areas of the human face.

In certain other aspects, the harrier patch or product comprises a sizeand shape to treat different areas of the face such as the forehead, theunder eye area and the under eye area combined with the crows feet areaaround the eye. Thus the size of the barrier patch or product may bedetermined by the size of the target area of skin to be treated. Thus abarrier patch or product shaped to fit the face or the target area ofskin, may have a surface area from about 0.25 cm² to about 50 cm²,and/or from about 1 cm² to about 30 cm², and/or from about 1 cm² toabout 20 cm², and/or from about 1 cm² to about 1.5 cm², andlor fromabout 5 cm² to about 15 cm². Surface area refers to that of a flat planehaving the same boundary as the surface, i.e. ignoring any surfacetexturing present.

In certain aspects the barrier patch is substantially free of, comprisesonly non-effective amounts of, or is free of, a skin active agent. Assuch, the barrier patch of the present invention may be characterized asa “blank” barrier patch. In this regard, in an aspect an effectiveamount of the skin active agent is employed as a separate component fromthe barrier patch.

The product may remain in contact with the target area of skin for aperiod of time from about 2 hours to about 1 week. Once the period oftime has elapsed, the barrier patch or product is removed by peeling itaway from the target area of the skin so that upon removal, the barrierpatch is removed intact, i.e., no barrier patch material is left on thetarget area of the skin.

Cosmetic Composition Skin Active Agents

In one aspect the product provides an effective amount of a skin activeagent to be delivered to the target area of skin that will provide alayer of the cosmetic composition having a thickness from about 10microns to about 30 microns and/or from about 12 microns to about 25microns. In another aspect the product provides from about 0.5 mg/cm2 toabout 3 mg/cm2 of the cosmetic composition, and/or from about 1 mg/cm2to about 2 mg/cm2 to the target area of skin. In one aspect and withoutbeing bound by theory, the use of the proper amount of the cosmeticcomposition will minimize the interaction of the cosmetic compositionwith the pressure sensitive adhesive. The cosmetic composition may alsocomprise an effective amount of a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a skin activeagent which provides a particular skin care benefit characteristic ofthe usage of the skin care product. The skin care benefit may includebenefits related to appearance or make-up of the skin. The skin careactive can provide acute (immediate and short lived) benefits, orchronic (long term and longer lasting) benefits.

The term “skin active agent” as used herein, means an active ingredientwhich provides a cosmetic and/or therapeutic effect to the area ofapplication on the skin. The skin active agents useful herein includeskin lightening agents, anti-acne agents, emollients, non-steroidalanti-inflammatory agents, topical anesthetics, artificial tanningagents, anti-microbial and anti-fungal actives, skin soothing agents,sun screening agents, skin barrier repair agents, anti-wrinkle agents,anti-skin atrophy actives, lipids, sebum inhibitors, sebum inhibitors,skin sensates, protease inhibitors, anti-itch agents, desquamationenzyme enhancers, anti-glycation agents, diaper rash agents, anti-eczemaagents, botanicals, and mixtures thereof. When included, the presentcomposition comprises a safe and effective amount of a skin active agentand/or from about 0.0001% to about 20%, in another aspect from about0.01% to about 10% of at least one skin active agent.

The cosmetic compositions may include from about 0.00001 to about 10% byweight of botanical actives or from about 0.01 to about 8 percent byweight, or from about 0.05 to about 5 percent by weight. “Botanical”herein means a substance, extract or derivative of a plant and may alsobe described as “herbals”. Botanicals may include water-soluble oroil-soluble active materials extracted from a particular plant includingmaterials extracted from echinacea, yucca glauca, willow herb, basilleaves, Turkish oregano, carrot root, grapefruit fruit, fennel fruit,rosemary, thyme, blueberry, bell pepper, black tea, blackberry, blackcurrant fruit, Chinese tea, coffee seed, dandelion root, date palmfruit, gingko leaf, green tea polyphenols (e.g. epicatechin gallate andepigallocatechin 3-O-gallate), hawthorn berries, licorice, oolong tea,sage, strawberry, sweet pea, tomato, vanilla fruit, neohesperidin,quercetin, rutin, morin, myricetin, chlorogenic acid, glutathione,glycyrrhizin, absinthe, arnica, centella asiatica, chamoinelle, comfrey,cornflower, horse chestnut, ivy (Herdera helix), magnolia, mimosa, oatextract, pansey, scullcap, seabuckthorn, white nettle, witch hazel aridany combinations thereof.

The type and amount of skin active agents are selected so that theinclusion of a specific agent does not affect the stability of thecomposition. For example, hydrophilic agents may be incorporated in anamount soluble in the aqueous phase, while lipophilic agents may beincorporated in an amount soluble in the oil phase.

Other skin active agents purported to exhibit expression-line relaxingbenefits for use in the present invention include, but are not limitedto, Lavandox available from Barnet Products Corporation; Thallasine 2,available from BiotechMarine; Argireline NP, available from Lipotec;Gatuline In-Tense and Gatuline Expression, available from Gattefosse;Myoxinol LS 9736 from BASF Chemical Company, Syn-ake, available from DSMNutritional Products, Inc.; and Instensyl®, available from Silab, Inc;Sesaflash™, available from Seppic Inc.

Skin lightening agents useful herein refer to active ingredients thatimprove hyperpigmentation as compared to pre-treatment. Useful skinlightening agents herein include ascorbic acid compounds, vitamin B₃compounds, azelaic acid, butyl hydroxyanisole, gallic acid and itsderivatives, glycyrrhizinic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin,mulberry extract, and mixtures thereof. Use of combinations of skinlightening agents is believed to be advantageous in that they mayprovide skin lightening benefit through different mechanisms.

Ascorbic acid compounds useful herein include ascorbic acid per se inthe L-form, ascorbic acid salt, and derivatives thereof. Ascorbic acidsalts useful herein include, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium,magnesium, barium, ammonium and protamine salts. Ascorbic acidderivatives useful herein include, for example, esters of ascorbic acid,and ester salts of ascorbic acid. Particularly preferred ascorbic acidcompounds include 2-o-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, which is anester of ascorbic acid and glucose and usually referred to as L-ascorbicacid 2-glucoside or ascorbyl glucoside, and its metal salts, andL-ascorbic acid phosphate ester salts such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate,potassium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and calciumascorbyl phosphate. Commercially available ascorbic compounds includemagnesium ascorbyl phosphate available from Showa Denko,2-o-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid available from Hayashibara andsodium L-ascorbyl phosphate with tradename STAY C available from Roche.

Vitamin B₃ compounds useful herein include, for example, those havingthe formula:

wherein R is —CONH₂ (e.g., niacinamide) or —CH₂OH (e.g., nicotinylalcohol); derivatives thereof; and salts thereof. Exemplary derivativesof the foregoing vitamin B₃ compounds include nicotinic acid esters,including non-vasodilating esters of nicotinic acid, nicotinyl aminoacids, nicotinyl alcohol esters of carboxylic acids, nicotinic acidN-oxide and niacinamide N-oxide. Preferred vitamin B₃ compounds areniacinamide and tocopherol nicotinate, and in another aspect isniacinamide. In a preferred aspect, the vitamin B₃ compound contains alimited amount of the salt form and is more preferably substantiallyfree of salts of a vitamin B₃ compound. Preferably the vitamin B₃compound contains less than about 50% of such salt, and is morepreferably substantially free of the salt form. Commercially availablevitamin B₃ compounds that are highly useful herein include niacinamideUSP available from Reilly.

Other hydrophobic skin lightening agents useful herein include ascorbicacid derivatives such as ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (for example, VC-IPavailable from Nikko Chemical), ascorbyl palmitate (for exampleavailable from Roche Vitamins), ascorbyl dipalmitate (for example,NIKKOL CP available from Nikko Chemical); other agents such asoctadecenedioic acid (for example, ARLATONE DIOIC DCA available fromUniquema); oenothera biennis sead extract, and pyrus malus (apple) fruitextract, Water and Myritol 318 and butylene glycol and tocopherol andsscorbil tetraisopalmitate and Paraben and Carbopol 980 andDNA/SMARTVECTOR UV available from COLETICA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphatein hyaluronic filling sphere available from COLETICA, and mixturesthereof.

Other skin active agents useful herein include those selected from thegroup consisting of N-acetyl D-glucosamine, panthenol (e.g., DLpanthenol available from Alps Pharmaceutical Inc.), tocopherylnicotinate, benzoyl peroxide, 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, flavonoids (e.g.,flavanone, chalcone), farnesol, phytantriol, glycolic acid, lactic acid,4-hydroxy benzoic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid,2-hydroxypentanoic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid, cis-retinoic acid,trans-retinoic acid, retinol, retinyl esters (e.g., retinyl propionate),phytic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, lipoic acid, tocopherol and its esters(e.g., tocopheryl acetate: DL-α-tocopheryl acetate available fromEisai), azelaic acid, arachidonic acid, tetracycline, ibuprofen,naproxen, ketoprofen, hydrocortisone, acetominophen, resorcinol,phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, phenoxyisopropanol,2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy diphenyl ether, 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide,octopirox, lidocaine hydrochloride, clotrimazole, miconazole,ketoconazole, neomycin sulfate, theophylline, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention in various aspects maycomprise N-acyl amino acid compounds. Suitable N-acyl amino acidcompounds include, but are not limited to, N-acyl phenylalanine, N-acyltyrosine, their isomers, including their D and L isomers, salts,derivatives, and mixtures thereof. An example of a suitable N-acyl aminoacid is N-undecylenoyl-L-phenylalanine is commercially available underthe trail ENWHITE (Registered trademark) from Seppic (France).

Skin care agents and dermatologically acceptable carriers (see, e.g.[0316]-[0387]) are also disclosed in US Publication No. 2007/0020220A1,published Jan. 25, 2007, wherein the components/ingredients areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The cosmetic composition may comprise one or more peptides. Herein,“peptide” refers to peptides containing ten or fewer amino acids, theirderivatives, isomers, and complexes with other species such as metalions (for example, copper, zinc, manganese, and magnesium). As usedherein, peptide also refers to both naturally occurring and synthesizedpeptides. In one aspect, the peptides are di-, tri-, tetra-, penia-, andhexa-peptides, their salts, isomers, derivatives, and mixtures thereof.Examples of useful peptide derivatives include, but are not limited to,peptides derived from soy proteins, paimitoyl-lysine-threonine (pal-KT)and palmitoyl-lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine (pal-KTTKS,available in a composition known as MATRIXYL®)palmitoyl-glycine-glutamine-proline-arginine (pal-GQPR, available in acomposition known as RIGIN®), these three being available from Sederma,France, and Cu-histidine-glycine-glycine (Cu-HGG, also known as IAMIN®).In various aspects the cosmetic composition may comprise from about1×10⁻⁷ % to about 20%, alternatively from about 1×10⁻⁶ % to about 10%,and alternatively from about 1×10⁻⁵ % to about 5% of the peptide.

In one aspect, the skin active agent is niacinamide In one aspect, theagent is a combination of niacinamide, glycerine, tocopherol acetate,and D-panthenol. Niacinamide may be included in the composition in anamount between about 1% to about 30 wt %, in another aspect from about2% to about 28 wt %, in another aspect from about 5% to about 25 wt %,and in another aspect from about 10% to about 20 wt %. When D-panthenolis included, it may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5 wt%, or about 0.5% to about 3 wt % and/or about 0.5% to about 2 wt %.Glycerin may be included as an active in an amount from about 6% toabout 20 wt %, and/or from about 8% to about 15 wt %, and/or from about10% to about 15 wt %.

In various aspects, the skin active agent is selected from niacinamide,alone or in combination with one or more of palmitoyl-lysine-threonine,palmitoyl-lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine,N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine, retinyl propionate, N-acetylglucosamine, vitamin C, tretinoin, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, benzoylperoxide, tretinoin, and combinations thereof.

In an aspect the cosmetic compositions herein may be aqueous solutions,or emulsions as oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions ormultiple emulsions having aqueous or oily external phases. In anotheraspect the cosmetic compositions herein are oil--in-water emulsions.

In one aspect to avoid a negative interaction with the pressuresensitive adhesive, the cosmetic composition comprises only low levelsof silicones of about 0.5% to about 10%, and/or from about 1% to about5% and/or the cosmetic composition is substantially free of silicones.As used herein “silicones” may refer to those silicones disclosed in US2007/0020220A1, published Jan. 25, 2007, Osborne, for example inparagraphs [0226] to [0258].

In one aspect the cosmetic composition is substantially free ofdepilatory agents.

The cosmetic composition may comprise an effective amount of a skinactive agent having activity to improve visual or aesthetic appearanceof the skin, such as an agent effective to reduce or diminish theappearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles on human facial skin or anagent effective to treat existing acne lesions, reducing rednessassociated with acne lesions and/or protecting from formation of acnelesions.

In another aspect a method of treating skin is provided, comprising:

-   a. applying a cosmetic composition to a target area of the skin,    comprising an effective amount of-   a skin active agent;-   b. applying a multi-layered barrier patch to the target area of    skin, wherein the barrier patch is adjusted to comprise:    -   (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer        film having a first surface, having a thickness from 5 microns        to 250 microns, preferably from 10 microns to 40 microns;    -   (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer film        comprising a Mean Void Volume Percentage from 45% to 80%,        preferably from 50% to 75%, more preferably from 55% to 73%, and        a thickness of from 10 microns to 250 microns, preferably from        40 microns to 160 microns;    -   wherein the cosmetic composition is at least partially in        contact with the barrier patch.

The methods of treatment, application, regulation, or improvementdisclosed herein may utilize the aforementioned products, compositionsand/or multi-layered barrier patch. Application of the presentcompositions or multilayer barrier patch can occur on any target area ofskin surface of the body. Skin surfaces of the most concern tend to bethose not typically covered by clothing such as facial skin surfaces,hand and arm skin surfaces, foot and leg skin surfaces, and neck andchest skin surfaces (e.g., décolletage). In particular, application maybe on a facial skin surface including the forehead, perioral, chin,periorbital, nose, and/or cheek skin surfaces.

The step of applying the cosmetic composition and/or barrier patch to atarget area of skin may be done by localized application to the targetarea, for example an area that contains wrinkles. In reference to theapplication, the term “localized”, “local”, or “locally” mean that it isdelivered to the target area of skin (such as an area of skin containingwrinkles) while minimizing delivery to skin surface not requiringtreatment.

For aspects where the composition is applied separately from the barrierpatch, the composition may be applied and lightly massaged into theskin. It is recognized that localized application does allow for areasonable amount of the composition to be applied to areas adjacent tothe wrinkles to be treated (i.e., the composition is unlikely to beapplied or to remain within the boundary of the wrinkles without somespreading). The form of the composition or the dermatologicallyacceptable carrier should be selected to facilitate localizedapplication.

Compositions and/or barrier patches of the present invention can beapplied broadly to one or more facial skin surfaces to reduce theappearance of wrinkles within those facial skin regions.

The method of treating skin herein may optionally begin with a cleansingstep. The consumer can wash his or her face with a suitable cleanser(e.g., Olay Purifying Mud Lathering Cleanser, available from The Procter& Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio), and gently dry his or her skin.

The films disclosed herein may have a variety of applications but are ofparticular interest as films for beauty care products that may includeproducts for the treatment of acne, diaper rash, application ofdeodorizing agents or cleaning agents to skin, and managing skin pH andother intimate wellness issues.

Test Methods Flop Index

The FI is represented by the formula:

${FI} = {2.69 \times {\frac{\left( {{L\; 15} - {L\; 110}} \right)^{1.11}}{\left( {L\; 45} \right)^{0.86}}.}}$

L15 means 15 degree, L45 means 45 degree and L100 means 100 degree. TheFI may be measured following ASTM E2539. A suitable measuring deviceincludes a multi angle photometer MA98 from X-rite Company.

The standard sample is also the same as test sample outside. Thestandard test material is a white standard that is provided by X-Ritewith the MA98 machine.

For multi-layered barrier patches that comprises no pigments, measurethe FI on each side of the laminate and repeat each measurement threetimes on each side and take the average.

For multi-layered barrier patches that comprise pigments in the firstlayer or third layer but no pigment in the second foamed layer, measurethe FI on the side of the barrier patch without pigments and repeat themeasurement three times on that side and take the average.

The results of X-Rite MA98 include: L, a, b and FI. The various anglesat which light reflection is measured in order to derive the values toput into the equation include: −15, 15, 25, 45, 75, 110. Since thedifference between 15 degrees and 110 degrees gives a larger contrast,these are used for the Flop Index formula.

For all test methods, film samples are analyzed after first removing anyconsumer-removable release layer that may be present, such as a releaselayer protecting an adhesive layer or a gel layer.

Mean Void Volume Percentage via MicroCT Analysis

For Mean Void Volume Percentage he thickness of any given layer of afilm is determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) toobserve samples of the film prepared in transverse view (i.e.,cross-section), in order to measure the thickness of each layer inmicrometers.

The term “void” means a region which is devoid of solid film materialcomposition, as determined by X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT)imaging, using the method outlined below. For purposes of clarification,the void may have air, gases, moisture, and other non-solid components.MicroCT imaging reports the X-ray absorption of a sample in thethree-dimensional (3D) Cartesian coordinates system. X-ray attenuationis largely a function of the material density of the sample, so densermaterials require a higher energy to penetrate and appear brighter(higher attenuation), while void areas appear darker (lowerattenuation). Intensity differences in grey levels are used todistinguish between void and non-void areas of the sample. Resolution isa function of the instrument characteristics and the operating settingsused. The 3D dataset obtained of the sample is visualized, processed andanalyzed via image processing software programs in order to measure 3Dstructures and intensities.

Test Method for Determining Foamed Layer Mean Void Volume Percentage

To determine the Mean Void Volume Percentage within a foamed layer¹, asample of the undamaged film material is mounted inside a SCANCOSystems' model μ50 microCT scanner (Scanco Medical AG, Brüttisellen,Switzerland). The instrument's image acquisition settings are setaccording to the following specifications: an Energy level of 45 kVp;Intensity at 88 μA; 10 mm diameter tube; 1000 ms integration time; and 8averaging. An isotropic spatial resolution of 1.8 μm voxels is requiredin the resulting microCT images of the sample. The 3D datasets areanalyzed as 8-bit images (i.e., 256 grey levels). This method isapplicable to the determination of the Mean Void Volume Percentage offoamed film layers and is not applicable to the Mean Void VolumePercentage of non-foamed film layers or non-foamed films.

Samples of test film material to be analyzed are prepared by punchingsample discs out of the film using a sharp circular punch tool ofapproximately 8 mm diameter. These samples are laid flat and may bemounted between discs (and/or annuli) of a low-attenuatingsample-preparation-foam, in alternating layers to form a stack. The useof mounting annuli can provide regions within the scans where each testsample is completely isolated from other solid material. The discs aremounted into a plastic cylindrical tube and secured inside the microCTscanner and scans are captured.

Software used for conducting the 3D reconstructions is the software thataccompanies the scanner instrument, and is supplied by the instrumentmanufacturer (Scanco Medical AG, Brüttisellen, Switzerland). Softwareused for subsequent image processing steps and quantitative imageanalysis is the MATLAB program. A suitable version of the requiredsoftware is MATLAB version 8.4.0.150421 (R2014b) with the followingmodules: Image Processing Toolbox version 9.1 (R2014b), Parallel Toolboxversion 6.5 (R2014b), and Signal Processing Toolbox version 6.22(R2014b) (The Mathworks Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.A.), all run onoperating system Windows 7 Professional Version 6.1 (build 7601: servicepack 1) (Microsoft), along with Java Version 1.7.0_11-b21 (OracleCorporation).

The 3D data set of each scanned test sample disc is trimmed to 1000×1000voxels in the X-Y plane, and excludes any areas of the sample thatcontain noticeable tears or noise, and excludes the cut edge of the filmsample. Each dataset is also trimmed in the Z direction such that thedataset volume comprises the full thickness of the sample disc as wellas a volume of void air space above and below the thickness of thesample disc.

A preliminary grey level threshold value is determined independently foreach trimmed 3D dataset. The preliminary threshold value is determinedobjectively by passing the dataset through the Graythresh Function inMatlab. This function determines a threshold value via the Otsu method,and is used to create a preliminary isolation of the film materialvoxels from the background and void voxels in the 3D dataset. Using theMatlab Connect-Components Function (bwconncomp), the largestConnected-Component is identified within each thresholded dataset inorder to further eliminate stray noise outside the film.

From the data array comprising the largest Connected-Component,two-dimensional (2D) image slices are taken in both the X-Z directionand in the Y-Z direction (i.e., 1000 slices in each direction). In eachof these 2D slices, Matlab is used to fit a Convex Hull Function aroundthe full thickness of the film material in order to bridge across anyapparent gaps in the outer layers of the film. Such apparent gaps in theouter layers may occur due to the relative size of the voxels versus thethickness of some thin layers, and additionally due to their relativealignment within the scan.

Void Volume Percentage values are derived only from the middleapproximately 50% of thickness of the foamed layer being analyzed. Themiddle approximately 50% of thickness of the foamed layer is identifiedby observing the various structures in each slice, and a Mask overlay iscreated for each slice that represents and defines this area. The areaof the mask is the middle approximately 50% of thickness of the foamedlayer, is wholly contained within the foamed layer, and comprises onlyfoamed layer composition and any voids contained therein. The region ofall the mask slices is the same as the Region Of Interest (ROI) to beanalyzed. Within the scanned dataset, the Matlab Convex Hull Function(regionprops with ‘ConvexImage’) defines the outer surfaces of the film,and as such the convex hull may be used as a reference location fromwhich to create a mathematical label for the area of the mask. Forexample, in a specific sample slice an appropriate area for the maskmight be observed to encompass the midpoint of the films' thickness andextends in the Z direction towards the upper convex hull surface as faras 25% of the total thickness and also extend toward the lower convexhull surface as far as 25% of the total thickness. One of skill willunderstand that different samples will likely require differentlocations for the masks, since the appropriate location is determined bythe relative thicknesses and locations of the layers and structurespresent in each sample.

The 2D masks are combined to create a 3D mask. Two versions of the 3Dmask are created, one version from each set of directional masks (i.e.,X-Z and Y-Z). The original grey level intensity data within each maskvolume comprises a 3D volume Region of Interest (ROI) within the middlearea of the foamed layer. The Matlab Graythresh Function is used toanalyze the grey level intensity data within the 3D mask ROI in order todetermine a second, revised threshold. The revised threshold is appliedto the data of the respective mask ROI to create the final separation ofthe film voxels from the background and void voxels.

A Void Volume Percentage value is calculated separately from each of thetwo mask ROIs. The calculation is conducted by dividing the number ofnon-void voxels (i.e. the number of voxels having an intensity greylevel value greater than the revised threshold value), by the totalnumber of voxels in the mask ROI, then subtracting this result from 1,then multiplying by 100, according to the following equation:

Void Volume Percentage=(1−(Non-Void Voxels in ROI/Total Voxels inROI))×100

The Mean Void Volume Percentage for each sample disc is calculated byaveraging the void volume percentage values from the two mask ROIs inthat dataset. Preferably, replicate sample discs are scanned andanalyzed, and most preferably the replicate samples are obtained fromdifferent production batches of the film being tested. The valuesmeasured in all replicates are averaged to provide the reported MeanVoid Volume Percentage of that foamed layer.

Surface Roughness (Ra)

The Surface Roughness (Ra) of the sample barrier patch or product ismeasured with the Surface Roughness Tester Surftest SJ-310 Series No.178 available. from Mitutoyo Corporation and according to the SurftestSI-310 Surface Roughness Tester Users Manual and Quick Reference Manual,No 99MBB463A1 Series No. 178 issued by Mitutoyo Corporation, Japan.

This instrument may be used to collect topographic data over a givenarea on a sample surface.

Sample Preparation: The film samples of the barrier patch or product foranalysis are prepared by cutting a representative piece of thefilm/barrier patch approximately 2.5 centimeters by 4 centimeters andthen a portion of the Sample was laid across a glass slide containing adouble sided adhesive tape. The Sample is taped to eliminate or reducewrinkling without stretching the film sample.

Measurement Conditions: A pre-calibration step is not used. Set theinstrument to AUTO² as the setting for the measuring conditions prior tothe Ra measurements. Measure the Ra for both ²Page 6-28, Section 6.5.2of the User Manual refers to the use of the Auto setting for Rameasurements. sides of the Sample and in both the MD and the CDdirections. Measure the Ra 4 times for each Sample.

WVTR

WVTR of the barrier patch is measured according to ASTM F1249 at 37° C.and 35% RH. Samples may be analyzed on a MOCON Permatran-W 3/33 WaterVapor Permeability Instrument using ASTM F1249. For samples with higherWVTR (e.g. from approximately 300 g/m²/24 h to 500 g/m²/24 h) samplesmay be analyzed per ASTM E-96 with desiccant placed inside the test cupsand 35% RH surrounding the exterior of the cups. Samples of barrierpatches are prepared and do not include the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Flexibility

The Kawabata KES-FB test is a Japanese quality judgment system for usedfor textile materials and is disclosed in “The Standardization andAnalysis of Hand Evaluation (2nd Edition), Sueo Kawabata, July 1980, TheHand Evaluation and Standardization Committee, The Textile MachinerySociety of Japan”.

The Kawabata testing machine, KES-FB2-A. Pure Bend Tester for measuringBending rigidity, B (gfcm²/cm), may be used. For Bending Rigidity (B)with KES-FB2-A, measure the slope between 0.5 cm⁻¹ and 1.5 cm⁻¹ and −0.5cm⁻¹ and −1.5 cm⁻¹. Perform the measurements in both directions (machinedirection, MD, and cross direction, CD) with the following settings:

-   Total sample area: 20 cm×20 cm;-   Maximum curvature: Kmax=±2.5 cm⁻¹;-   Cycles=1;-   Sensitivity=20;-   Bending rate: 2.5 cm⁻¹/sec;-   Bending deformation is applied to the width direction.

Prepare the samples as 20 cm×20 cm. 20cm wide is the preferred samplewidth and the “Standard Condition” for the KES-FB2-A. If the samples arenot 20 cm wide, cut them to the nearest whole number in centimeters anduse the “Optional Condition” setting in the instrument which allows thewidth to be specified to the nearest centimeter. For example if thewidth is 17.5 cm, cut the sample to 17 cm wide, then specify the widthas 17 cm. If samples are more flexible or less wide, then adjustsensitivity accordingly. Test sample n=2 replicates in the MD direction(bend in direction normal to the MD direction). Test sample n=2replicates in the CD Direction.

Basis Weight

Basis Weight is calculated as follows. Sample Preparation: Samples wereequilibrated at TAPPI conditions for 100 hours (50% RH, 23C). Cutsamples to 25.4 mm wide strips using JDC 1″ strip cutter. Cut samples to80 mm long using gage block. Weigh each sample using 4 place analyticalbalance. Basis weight is calculated as the sample mass/area, where massis measured on the balance and area=25.4 mm×80 mm=2032 mm=0.002032meters. Basis weight is reported in units of grams/meter².

Caliper/Thickness

Thickness measurement, other than thickness measurement for thecalculation of Mean Void Volume Percentage, may be performed using ASTMD5729 which typically uses a pad caliper with a known pressure (0.1 psi)and a gage sensor. A Qualitest Thickness Tester, Model CHY-C2, availablefrom www.WorldofTest.com may be used.

Opacity and Gloss

The test method for opacity is ISO method 6504. The thickness of filmneeds to be specified when opacity data is provided.

The test method for gloss is ASTM D2457 and a 60 degree angle is used.

EXAMPLES

The following are non-limiting examples of compositions of the presentinvention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustrationand are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, asmany variations thereof are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, which would be recognized by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

In the examples, all concentrations are listed as weight percent, unlessotherwise specified and may exclude minor materials such as diluents,filler, and so forth. The listed formulations, therefore, comprise thelisted components and any minor materials associated with suchcomponents. As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, theselection of these minors will vary depending on the physical andchemical characteristics of the particular ingredients selected to makethe present invention as described herein.

Example 1

Table 1 below provides the Mean Void Volume Percentages and other valuesof samples of multi-layered co-extruded films having varying degrees offoaming.

TABLE 1 Pearl- Breath- Basis No. of Layers Mean Void escent abilitySample Weight Total Volume WVTR Flexibility Rating Rating No. (gsm)Thickness Percentage FI g/m2/24 hr gfcm²/cm (1 to 10) Opacity (1 to 10)Gloss 1-F767 88 3 layer 1.44 33.8 0.0204 1  3.12% 1 63.17% (com-unfoamed 0.0236 parative) film³ ~81 μm 2-F738 99 3 layer film⁴ 60.34%4.04 0.0416 9 43.63% 7 18.13% core layer 0.0434 foamed ~182 μm 3-F584 993 layer film⁵ 63.27% 4.35 82 0.0475 9 32.39% 7 16.67% Core layer 0.0295foamed ~170 μm 4-F769 86 2 layer⁶ 65.57% 3.12 0.042 5 42.42% 7    7% onefoamed (foamed 0.031 (foamed) layer side) ~177 μm 4.83 7 39.08% 24.67%(non foamed side) 5-F777 68 3 layer⁷ 73.82% 3.59 0.0245 7   41% 9 15.53%core foamed 0.012 ~163 μm 6-F778 105 3 layer⁸ 55.75% 3.89 0.0555 732.94% 5 19.43% foamed core 0.0615 and non foamed first and third layers~162 μm (Score of 1 = least pearlescent or appearance of breathabilityand Score of 10 = most pearlescent or higher appearance ofbreathability)

TABLE 2 Ra Ra Ra Ra Gloss (at 60 Side A Side A Side B Side B FilmMaterial FI degree) Length Width Length Width 0% Foaming Side A-0.282A-75.94 1.883 0.863 1.475 0.778 PE Side B-0.436 B-66.2 20% Side A-0.338A-69.84 1.779 1.99 1.416 1.889 Foaming PE⁹ Side B-2.258 B-74.1 40% SideA-0.228 A-72 2.072 2.553 1.591 2.206 Foaming PE Side B-2.444 B-75.4F626¹⁰ Side 1-12.90 Side 1-8.7 Side 2-14.97 Side 2-13.57 F769¹¹ 4.03417.2 (both 18.537 19.097 26.526 27.081 sides substantially same) F149¹²,3.7; 3.94 17.2; 15.5 19.999 18.354 20.305 18.747 80GSM F149b¹³ 3.908;3.992 21.78; 13.66 14.312 13.874 14.102 15.753 100GSM F767¹⁴ 1.552 42(both 0.796 1.044 0.626 0.949 sides substantially same) F584¹⁵ 4.16616.06 (both 15.96 16.567 15.334 14.358 side substantially same)

The samples (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) of Table 1 are either 2 layer or 3layer film laminates. Some samples have a first layer of a non-foamedEVA, a foamed second layer of EVA, and in some samples, third layer of anon-foamed EVA. The foamed EVA second layer is in-between the first andthird non-foamed layers. The Mean Void Volume Percentage is determinedas described herein.

Sample 1 contains no foamed layer and is therefore a comparativeexample. A small-base of consumers evaluated the barrier patches ofSamples 1-6 shown above in Table 1. The barrier patches varied inflexibility, FI, WVTR, basis weight, Void Volume Percentage, etc. asshown in Table 1.

Sample 2 had the highest ratings by consumers for the Ratings tested,though Sample 5 was also highly rated and consumers rated that it lookedmore breathable than Sample 2. Consumers rated Sample 5 however, asbeing more flexible than Sample 2.

The foamed film Sample 2 is stiffer than unfoamed film Sample 1, eventhough these have similar basis weights. This is because Sample 2 isthicker than Sample 1 due to foaming and since stiffness of a film isrelated to the thickness. The fact that Sample 2 is stiffer makes itless likely

to wrinkle on the face than Sample 1, but does so without making thefilm heavier, e.g. the basis weights of Samples 1 and 2 are similar. Toincrease the stiffness of an unfoamed film, one would have to increasethe thickness which would considerably increase its basis weight. Thusthis film would feel heavier.

Sample 4 was a 2 layer film wherein the foamed side layer (foamed secondlayer) has a different appearance than the unfoamed layer or skin layer(non-foamed first layer). Consumer determined that the foamed side lookssoft with less gloss which appeared to be breathable.

Sample 5 has the highest level of foaming of the Samples. This samplehad a higher Void Volume Percentage value and scored well on theBreathability Rating. However, this film is more flexible versus Sample2 even though it had similar thickness as Sample 2. Sample 5'sFlexibility value is higher than that of the Sample 2 which may be dueto the lower basis weight which also has some influence on filmstiffness.

Sample 6 has the lowest level of foaming of the 6 Samples (except forthe comparative sample). It has the highest Kawabata Flexibility bendingstiffness of the foamed films possibly in part due to having the leastdegree of cavitation from foaming and hence it has a higher basisweight.

Table 2 shows Surface Roughness (Ra) values for the barrier patch orproduct disclosed herein.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show 3 SEM images of cross sections (in the machinedirection) of 3 barrier patches. FIG. 4 shows Sample 1 (F767), anunfoamed film.

FIG. 5 is a cross section SEM image of Sample 5 (F777) which has ahigher degree of foaming and having a Mean Void Volume Percentage of73.82%. FIG. 5 shows a three layer barrier patch comprising a non-foamedfirst layer, a foamed second layer, and a non-foamed third layer.

FIG. 6 shows an SEM image of Sample 6 (F778) with a lower degree offoaming Sample 6 (F778) comprises a three-layer co-extruded barrierpatch having non-foamed first layer, a foamed second layer and anon-foamed third layer. Sample 6 has a Mean Void Volume Percentage of55.76%

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show 3 SEM images of Sample 4 (F769). FIG. 7 shows atop view with the foamed side up. FIG. 8 shows a top view of Sample 4with the first layer non-foamed side up, and FIG. 9 shows a crosssection view of the multilayer barrier patch in the machine direction.

Exemplary products, for example Products A, B, C or D, for treatment ofperiorbital skin aging are attached, via the adhesive side, toperiorbital area. The Product is applied and worn for an extended periodof time of approximately 7-8 hours and thereafter removed. The Productsherein deliver an effective amount of the skin active agent in a mannerthat achieves penetration of the skin active agent into the stratumcorneum, and/or other layers of the epidermis, and in many aspects, intothe basal skin layer and/or dermis.

Example 2

A representative barrier patch may be made via the following process. AnEVA polymer (for example Dupont Elvax® Grades: 260, Grade 250, Grade150, 150W, and/or Grade 40 W), is fed into an extruder wherein 100percent CO₂ or nitrogen is metered into the extrusion barrel as ablowing agent to provide physical foaming. The EVA polymer is blendedwith polyethylene at a ratio of 80% EVA and 20% PE. Other blends may beuse including 75% EVA and 25% PE, 70% EVA and 30% PE, and 65% EVA and35% PE or the PE used is from about 20% to about 40% by wt of the blend.Additives, such as slip agents, antistatic agents or fillers, etc. mayalso be used in the blend. The end of the extruder is also equipped withstatic mixers to improve the mixing of the polymer/blowing agentmixture. Simultaneously, a 1.00% blend of the EVA resin is fed intoanother extruder without blowing agent, for production of the coextrudedunfoamed solid skin layers. The barrier patch may comprise one or morenon-foamed skin layers, preferably 2 skin layers. The EVA/PE resin blendis foamed and coextruded with non-foamed EVA (without PE) to form asheet/laminate having a foamed core resin with two solid skin layersadhered to both sides of the core resin layer.

Prior to foaming the layer distribution may be approximately 20-30 μmunfoamed skin layers, with a 60 μm foamed layer. Foaming of the corelayer potentially boosts the core layer caliper from 60 μm to a range of120 μm to 140 μm. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer may then be coatedon the barrier layer such as via a process known in the art. A cosmeticcomposition, such as one of those disclosed below in the Examples, maythen be coated on the pressure sensitive adhesive via a process known inthe art, and then any solvents, if present, may be removed via drying.

Example 3 Cosmetic Compositions

Example 1 2 3 4 5 Phase A Distilled water qs 100 qs 100 qs 100 qs 100 qs100 Phase B Glycerin 5 5 5 6 6 Ti02 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Phase CGlycerin 1 1 1 3 3 EDTA 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Carbopol 954 0.68 0.5 0.50.4 0.4 Carbopol 1382 0.1 0.1 0.1 Phase D Cetyl Palmitate 1.5 1.5 CetylAlcohol 0.72 0.72 0.72 2.25 2.25 Stearyl Alcohol 0.48 0.48 0.48 1.5 1.5Stearic Acid 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.31 0.31 PEG-100 Stearate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.310.31 Silicone Wax DC2501 2 2 DC 3225C 1.88 1.88 Dimethicone 200/350 cst0.63 0.63 Arlatone 2121 1 1 1 Silicone Q21403 2 2 2 Fatty acid ester ofsugar 0.67 0.67 0.67 Tocopherol Acetate 0.5 0.5 Niacinamide 2 2 2 2 2Phase E Distilled water 2 2 2 2 2 NaOH to neutralize to neutralize toneutralize to neutralize to neutralize to neutralize Carbopols Phase FUrea 2 D-Panthenol 0.5 0.5 Distilled water 5 5 5 5 Phase G Glydant Plus0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Glycerin 1 1 1 1 1 Distilled water 1 1 1 1 1 Phase HMethyl Isostearate 1.33 Isopropyl Isostearate 1.33 1.33 IsopropylPalmitate 1.25 1.25 Retinol 0.04 0.04 BHT 0.05 0.05 Tween 20 0.04 Tween80 0.04

Oil-in-water emulsions are prepared from the ingredients in theseexamples using conventional formulating techniques. First, sparge PhaseA ingredients using nitrogen for approximately 15 minutes. Phase Bingredients are milled until the Ti02 is homogeneously dispersed, andthen added to Phase A. Phase C ingredients are then dispersed into PhaseA/B until uniform using propeller type mixing and heating the mixture toabout 75° C. In a separate vessel, Phase D ingredients are combined andheated to about 75° C. The mixture of phases A/B/C are then blanketedwith a slow, steady stream of nitrogen. Next the Phase D ingredients arehomogenized into the mixture of phases A/B/C using any rotor/stator typeof homogenizer for approximately 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, themixing is switched to low rpm sweep mixing. Next, phase E ingredientsare combined and added to the mixture of phases A-D.

Once phase E is mixed and the batch mixture is homogeneous, the entirebatch mixture is cooled. When the batch is cooled to about 50° C., phaseF ingredients are added and homogenized. When the batch is cooled toabout 40° C., phase G ingredients are added to the batch mixture.Lastly, when the batch mixture is cooled to about 30° C., the phase Hingredients are combined to the batch mixture. Mixing is continued untilthe batch mixture is uniform.

Delivery of skin active agent to a target area of skin. The abovecosmetic compositions may be applied via the fingertips to theperiorbital area of the face of a human test subject to provide fromabout 0.5 mg/cm2 to about 3 mg/cm2 of the cosmetic composition to thetarget area of skin. Thereafter an exemplary orbital barrier patch, forexample Samples 2, 4, 5 and 6 of Example 1, for treatment of periorbitalskin aging is attached to periorbital area, covering the cosmeticcomposition. The barrier patch of the invention may be applied and wornfor an extended period of time of approximately 7-8 hours aridthereafter removed. The products and methods herein deliver an effectiveamount of the skin active agent in a manner that achieves penetration ofthe skin active agent into the stratum corneum, and/or other layers ofthe epidermis, and in many aspects, into the basal skin layer and/ordermis.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular aspects of the present invention have been illustratedand described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art thatvarious other changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended tocover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that arewithin the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beauty care product comprising: a multi-layeredbarrier patch comprising: (i) a non-foamed first layer comprising anon-foamed polymer film having a first surface, and having a thicknessfrom about 5 microns to about 250 microns; (ii) a foamed second layercomprising a foamed polymer film comprising a Mean Void VolumePercentage from about 45% to about 80% and a thickness from about 10microns to about 250 microns;  wherein the barrier patch comprises aFlop Index (FI) from about 2.5 to about 15 according to ASTM E2539; anda cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of a skin activeagent; and a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 2. The product of claim 1wherein the Mean Void Volume Percentage is from about 50% to about 75%.3. The product of claim 1 wherein the barrier patch further comprises aWVTR from about 1 g/m²/24 h to about 500 g/m²/24 h.
 4. The product ofclaim 3 wherein the barrier patch comprises a WVTR from about 1 g/m²/24h to about 250 g/m²/24 h.
 5. The product of claim I wherein the barrierpatch is water impermeable.
 6. The product of claim 1 wherein the nonfoamed first layer is substantially free of apertures
 7. The product ofclaim 1 wherein the Flop Index (H) is from about 2.5 to about
 6. 8. Theproduct of claim I wherein the barrier patch is substantially free ofpigments.
 9. The product of claim 1 wherein the barrier patch issubstantially free of pearlescent pigments.
 10. The product of claim 1wherein the barrier patch further comprises a flexibility from about0.009 gfcm²/cm to about 0.14 gfcm²/cm.
 11. The product of claim 1wherein the multi-layered barrier patch further comprises a non-foamedthird layer having a thickness from 5 microns to 250 microns, whereinthe foamed second layer is in between the non-foamed first layer and thenon-foamed third layer.
 12. The product of claim I wherein the barrierpatch further comprises a first surface and the pressure sensitiveadhesive is in contact with at least part of the first surface of thebarrier patch.
 13. The product of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensitiveadhesive comprises the cosmetic composition.
 14. The product of claim 1wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is selected from the groupconsisting of acrylic and methacrylic ester homo-or copolymers, butylrubber based systems, silicones, urethanes, vinyl esters and amides,olefin copolymer materials, styrene/isoprene diblock copolymers;styrene/butadiene diblock copolymers; butylene/ethylene/styrene triblockcopolymers, and combinations thereof.
 15. The product of claim 1 whereinthe composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 10% of a skin activeagent selected from the group consisting of vitamin E, vitamin A,vitamin B, niacinamide, glycerine, tocopherol acetate, D-panthenol,palmitoyl-lysine-threonine,palmitoyl-lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine,N-undecyl-10-enoyl-L-phenylalanine, retinyl propionate, N-acetylglucosamine, vitamin C, tretinoin, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, benzoylperoxide, tretinoin, and combinations thereof.
 16. The product of claim1 wherein the harrier patch has a total thickness of about 20 microns toabout 500 microns.
 17. The product of claim wherein the cosmeticcomposition is an oil in water emulsion.
 18. The product wherein thebarrier patch is substantially free of a non-woven material.
 19. Theproduct of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive issubstantially free of the cosmetic composition.
 20. A beauty careproduct comprising: a multi-layered barrier patch comprising: (i) anon-foamed first layer comprising a non-foamed polymer film having afirst surface, and having a thickness from about 5 microns to about 250microns; (ii) a foamed second layer comprising a foamed polymer filmcomprising ethylene vinyl acetate, having a Mean Void Volume Percentagefrom about 45% to about 80% and a thickness of from about 10 microns toabout 250 microns;  wherein the barrier patch comprises a Flop Index(FI) from about 2.5 to about 15 according to ASTM E2539; a cosmeticcomposition comprising an effective amount of a skin active agent; and apressure sensitive adhesive.
 21. The product of claim 20 wherein theethylene vinyl acetate polymer has an ethylene-to-vinyl acetate monomerratio of about 4:1 to about 1:1.
 22. The product of claim 19 wherein theratio is from about 3:1 to about 3:2.
 23. The product of claim 20wherein the barrier patch further comprises a WVTR from about 1 g/m²/24h to about 500 g/m²/24 h.
 24. The product of claim 20 wherein thebarrier patch is water impermeable.
 25. The product of claim 20 whereinthe Flop Index (FI) is from about 2.5 to about
 6. 26. The product ofclaim 20 wherein the barrier patch is substantially free of pigments.27. The product of claim 20 wherein the barrier patch further comprisesa flexibility from about 0.009 gfcm²/cm to about 0.14 gfcm²/cm.
 28. Theproduct of claim 20 wherein the non-foamed first layer comprises anon-foamed polymer film comprising ethylene vinyl acetate.
 29. Theproduct of claim 28 wherein the multi-layered barrier patch furthercomprises a non-foamed third layer having a thickness from 5 microns to250 microns and wherein the foamed second layer is in between thenon-foamed first layer and the non-foamed third layer.
 30. The productof claim 20 wherein the foamed second layer may comprise from about 15%to about 40%, of PE and from about 60% to about 85%, of EVA.
 31. Theproduct of claim 20 wherein the barrier patch has a gloss of from about8 to about
 40. 32. The product of claim 20 wherein the barrier patch issubstantially free of a non-woven material.
 33. The product of claim 20wherein the Mean Void Volume Percentage is from about 50% to about 75%.